THEY came in their hundreds yesterday, waiting patiently to sign the book of condolence in the dark, wood-panelled room at Glasgow’s City Chambers.

First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg were the most prominent visitors.

But the majority were ordinary people from all walks of life – policemen paying tribute to their lost colleagues, friends of survivors of the Clutha pub tragedy, tourists, mothers and children, office workers giving up their lunch hour.

PC Christopher Paterson, 31, has been on duty at the City Chambers for the last two days. He asked us not to reveal what he wrote in the book, but said: “I wanted to pay tribute to colleagues involved in this tragedy.

“It has been good to have people come up and say thank you for the role of the emergency services.”

Catherine Murray, a regular at The Clutha, was joined by her daughter Claire MacLure, 31, and grandsons Andrew, three, and seven-month-old James.

Catherine is friends with survivor Nancy Primrose, who was dragged to safety from the ruins of the pub.

She said: “We used to go to the pub at the weekend. It was a great place with good music and a mixed crowd from 18-year-olds to 80-year-olds.

“It really brings it home because I could easily have been in the pub on the night.

“I know Nancy from working in the charity shop Mary’s Meals with her.”

Claire is a teacher at St Kevin’s Primary in Sighthill, Glasgow. She said: “We wanted to come down to give our thoughts to the victims and their families – it’s a terrible time.”

Claire wrote in the book: “Such a tragedy. My thoughts, prayers and condolences to everyone involved.”

Elyse Roberts, 10, and her dad Gary left their home in Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, early in the morning to sign the book.

Gary and Elyse Roberts patiently waited to sign the book (Image: Steve Welsh)

Gary, 43, said: “We wanted to come by today to offer a message of support for the familes and the people who lost their lives. It is a horrible time but this is something that has gone global.

“I was on Facebook and was bowled over by the messages of support from people around the world.” Gary wrote: “Our thoughts and prayers be with you. RIP.” Elyse, a pupil at St Joseph’s Primary in Bonnybridge, wrote: “I am thinking of you all. Rest in peace.”

Graeme Kidd, 62, travelled in from Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire.

He said: “It made you feel proud when you heard of people running to help rather than running away from the scene. This has proved that this place is such a truly wonderful city.

“I don’t think many places in the world would have seen so many people act so selflessly.”

Graeme wrote: “The tears of one are the tears of all. People make Glasgow.”

Nurses Elaine Strachan, 49, and Michelle Gray, 43, of Drumchapel Day Hospital, came to the chambers to offer the condolences of patients and staff.

Mum of two Elaine, from Scotstounhill, said: “It could easily have been any one of us – just going out for a Friday night and then the next thing, your world is ripped apart.

“We wanted to come here today as a small symbol that we are thinking of everyone that has been affected.”

Michelle added: “It must have been agonising for people waiting to hear if their loved ones survived. It just shows how precious life is.” Elaine wrote: “Our thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time.”

Historian Brian Henderson, 57, from Glasgow, said: “I had no direct connection with the tragedy but I think it has hit everyone hard.

“I’m a member of the Old Glasgow Club, founded 1900, which documents Glasgow’s history and its people.

“The city has dealt with so much in the past, such as the Ibrox disaster.

“This is another disaster that the people have to cope with but there is a history of facing and coping with adversity here. The whole thing feels unreal but sadly it is all too real.”

Brian wrote: “With deepest sympathy to all the bereaved families.”

Office worker Kieran Turner, 30, from Govanhill, spent his lunch break queueing up to sign the book. He said: “I know the pub as it I sometimes go past it on my way into town. Even days after the event, I find it totally surreal.

“You can never imagine this would happen let alone to a pub and a city you know. You see tragedies happen around the world but you never expect this type of thing so close to home.”

Kieran wrote: “What an unspeakable tragedy. My thoughts are with you all. May you know strength and peace. All of Glasgow grieves with you.”

Council worker Geraldine Cunningham, 50, from Swinton, said: “I came down on my lunchbreak to sign the book as a sign of support.

“I am from Glasgow and have lived here all my life. I didn’t know anyone who was in the pub but I think we all have to come together to support those who have lost loved ones.”

Geraldine wrote: “To the innocent souls who lost their lives in the Clutha bar, Glasgow will never forget you. God bless.”

Former solicitor Peter McKay, 72, travelled from Girvan, Ayrshire,. He said: “It is traumatic to think of people out enjoying the run up to Christmas then being plunged into this disaster.”